A New 27mm Lens for Fuji… and it’s REALLY Good!

Brief Summary

This video provides an overview and comparison of five 27mm lenses for the Fuji X Mount system, ranging in price, size, and features. It covers the Viltrox 28mm f/4.5, TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8, Fujifilm 27mm f/2.8 (old and new versions), Viltrox 27mm f/1.2, and the newly released S Artisans 27mm f/2.8. The review assesses each lens based on size, build quality, optical performance (sharpness, distortion, chromatic aberration, flare), autofocus capabilities, and overall value, offering guidance for photographers looking to choose the best 27mm lens for their needs.

Five 27mm lenses for Fuji X Mount are compared.
Lenses range from $99 to $579 with varying sizes and features.
The S Artisans 27mm f/2.8 is highlighted for its excellent optical performance per dollar.

Introduction to 27mm Lenses for Fuji X Mount

With the release of a new lens, there are now five 27mm lenses available for the Fuji X Mount, ranging from $99 to $579. These lenses vary significantly in size, from very small autofocus lenses to larger ones like the 27mm f/1.2. This video aims to provide an overview of these lenses, based on personal experience, to help photographers choose the right one for their needs. The lenses discussed in this video were provided at no cost, and the video is not sponsored.

Viltrox 28mm f/4.5

The Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 lens is notable for its incredibly small size, making it one of the smallest autofocus lenses available. Priced at $99, it is also very affordable. Its fixed f/4.5 aperture presents some limitations, but it can encourage more creative thinking when composing images. This lens is a viable option for those on a tight budget or who want a highly portable camera setup.

TTArtisan 27mm F2.8

The TTArtisan 27mm F2.8 lens, priced around $160, features an aperture ring and a reasonably small form factor. It includes a built-in lens hood and an all-metal body. Optically, it exhibits noticeable vignette and a blend of vintage and modern characteristics, with a tendency to flare strongly. Despite these traits, it remains an affordable and recommendable lens, once being the cheapest autofocus option for mirrorless cameras.

Fujifilm 27mm f/2.8

The older version of the Fujifilm 27mm f/2.8 lens is very small, not much larger than a pancake lens. Its main drawbacks are the lack of weather sealing and an aperture ring. While the optics and autofocus system are essentially the same as the updated version, the newer model includes weather sealing and an aperture ring but at a significantly higher price. The older version has a buzzy autofocus motor and is not the best value for money.

Viltrox 27mm f/1.2

The Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 lens excels in low light conditions and offers superior optical performance. It is exceptionally sharp across the frame and has good autofocus. However, it is quite expensive and heavy. This lens produces images similar to those from a full-frame camera due to its wide aperture, potentially eliminating the need to switch to a full-frame system for shallow depth of field and low light capabilities.

S Artisans 27mm f/2.8

The S Artisans 27mm f/2.8 lens is the largest of the smaller f/2.8 lenses and does not have an aperture ring. It offers the best image quality per dollar, making it a top choice for clinical image quality at an affordable price. The autofocus performs well on both older (Fujifilm XT1) and newer (Fujifilm XT5) cameras. It features an all-metal body, a polished metal lens mount, and a USB-C port for firmware updates, providing build quality that exceeds its price point.

Why Choose a 27mm Lens Over a Kit Lens?

A 27mm lens at f/2.8 offers a wider maximum aperture than a kit lens at the same focal length, resulting in sharper images. The 27mm focal length, equivalent to 40mm on a full-frame camera, is preferred for its slightly narrower field of view compared to the more common 35mm equivalent. This makes it easier to compose compelling images, especially for new photographers, and is excellent for travel and street photography.

Image Quality: Distortion and Vignette

The lens exhibits a moderate amount of barrel distortion, which is easily correctable in Lightroom. It also has heavy vignette, particularly at f/2.8, which can be a desirable trait for drawing the viewer's eye to the center of the frame. The photos shown in the video have not been corrected for distortion or vignette.

Image Quality: Chromatic Aberration and Flare

The lens demonstrates exceptional performance with virtually no chromatic aberration, an unusual trait for a sub-$200 lens. Longitudinal chromatic aberration is minimal and not noticeable in real-world scenarios. Flare performance is the weakest aspect, with inconsistent results; sometimes handling direct light well, while other times washing out the image, especially in overcast conditions. However, in certain nighttime situations, it can produce a creative, cinematic flare.

Close-Up Image Quality, Bokeh, and Sharpness

Close-up image quality is very good, maintaining color and contrast similar to infinity focus. The bokeh is adequate but not exceptional. Sharpness is a standout feature, with ultra-sharp images in the center of the frame right from f/2.8, and impressive corner sharpness as well. This makes it a lens that even pixel peepers will appreciate.